On September 23rd, from Noon to 5 pm, the Gerstle Park Neighborhood in San Rafael will be filled with music, community and people, enjoying the inaugural San Rafael PorchFest.

It will encompass a 6-block area near San Rafael’s historic Gerstle Park, which features picnic areas, a playground, picnic tables, and a basketball court which will serve as the main stage for the event. Musical performances will be on front porches throughout the neighborhood — San Rafael Ave., Clark St., Bayview St., and Ross St. and then up Marin St. and Clorinda Ave.

Marin County has been the stomping ground of many prominent musicians who created the revolutionary “San Francisco Sound,” making San Rafael a natural fit to continue its musical tradition by hosting Marin County’s first PorchFest.

Volunteer musicians are teaming up with local residents to perform on porches throughout the neighborhood. 20 homes will serve as the stage for 40 diverse artists ranging from classical Indian tabla drumming to Mexican folklorico and everything in between, including folk, Americana, singer-songwriter, soul, virtuosic instrumentalists, gypsy jazz, blues, Latino, funk, family and teen bands.

Attendees will be able to fuel up and cool down with gourmet food trucks or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while the kids play at Gerstle Park. The streets surrounding the event will be closed to traffic for the safety and comfort of attendees of all ages.